“More than before, but he’s still not shrugging away the possibility of complications. But, it is what it is. We’ll face what’ll be and do what needs done.” Maura was always determined and unshakable. It was hardly surprising that she was facing the prospect of a difficult delivery with the same stalwartness.
“You’ll send for me, I hope, to be there with you, as you were there with me when Lydia was born.”
Maura shook her head in amusement. “Thus far, I have been requested to send for both my mothers-in-law, all of my sisters-in-law, Dr. Jones, and you. We will be having a regularcéilíright there in my bedroom.”
Eliza couldn’t help a small laugh. “Would you have ever guessed during our years at the Widows’ Tower that there’d be a time when you were so surrounded by family that you’d be concerned about overcrowding?”
“I could not have even imagined it. But, once I got here, I couldn’t stop imagining this town with you in it.”
“I will be forever grateful that you sent for us. I love Hope Springs. I love it so very much.”
They rolled over the rise behind which the Hope Springs valley hid. “Would a certain bearded Irishman be part of the reason you love it?”
“Might be.”
Maura looked over at her for just a moment. “Is he being good to you, Eliza? I know things were difficult between you for a bit there.”
“Yes, but we’re better now. I feel that I’m finally seeing the true Patrick, the man he is beneath the caution and reserve.” A peaceful sort of warmth spread from her heart at the thought of him the past couple of weeks. He’d been the kind and thoughtful man she’d seen so many times, but without the wall between them. “What was he like before?”
“I first met him when he was about my Aidan’s age. He was light and happy, and, heavens, he was funny. I don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone as quick-witted as he was. And he and Ian were inseparable. They brought out the best in each other. Patrick was the light of his family; he had a knack for giving them hope because he was overflowing with it himself.”
She tried to imagine that younger version of him. “He struggles to be hopeful now.”
“Something that weighs on all of us. But there’s more hope in him lately. Does us all good.”
“He told me a story not long after we arrived here about filching pastries during the voyage from Ireland.” She grinned at the memory. “We were telling each other things in our lives no one else knew. It was the lightest I’d seen him since I met him. I knew then he wasn’t supposed to be so burdened and heavy. It broke my heart seeing him that way afterward.”
“You’ve been good for him, Eliza.”
“Then why does that declaration sound so hesitant?”
The wagon rolled over the bridge heading toward Maura’s home.
“You’re a sister to me. I’d not see you unhappy for anything, not even for someone I love as much as Patrick.”
Eliza clasped her hands on her lap. Thinking of Patrick made her heart leap around a bit. “He’s been good for me, too, Maura. He loves my Lydia. He’s thoughtful and hardworking. He listens when I talk to him. He doesn’t make light of the things I worry about. And he’s funny, like you said he used to be. And I’m happier when he’s nearby.”
Maura brought the cart to a stop outside the barn. Ryan stood in the open doorway, leaning against the frame and smiling at his wife in a way that could only be described as besotted.
“I think he’s rather fond of you, Maura.”
“Well, I’m rather fond of him, so ’tis a good arrangement all around.”
Ryan helped her down, then kissed her sweetly. “How’re you feeling, sweetheart?”
“Grand altogether.”
Eliza climbed down and made her way to the house, giving the couple a bit of privacy. The moment she stepped inside, Lydia hopped up off the floor.
“Mama!” She ran to her and threw her arms around Eliza’s leg. Her doll hit Eliza’s other leg on the way around.
Eliza set her hand on Lydia’s curly head. “Have you been a good girl?”
Mrs. Callaghan answered. “She’s been an angel.”
“That’s my sweet pea.” She held Lydia in her arms. The girl had blossomed in this valley. Patrick had begun that transformation in her, showing her love and kindness and caring. He’d taught her cautious heart to trust.
Perhaps it was time Eliza more fully learned that lesson herself.
